Raisin Bars
Georgia likes to substitute blackberry puree for raisins to have "Blackberry Bars."
Georgia likes to substitute blackberry puree for raisins to have "Blackberry Bars."
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- for the crust:
- for the filling:
- 1 cup walnuts coarsely chopped
- 1 tbsp. cornstarch or arrowroot
- 1 cup brown sugar (or turbinado or any other less proces
- 1 cup butter unsalted
- 1 1/2 cups oats (i like to use a mixture of steel cut and rol but just rolled oats is fine)
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (or 1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 tsp. celtic sea salt
- Carbohydrate 21.9666500185599 g
- Cholesterol 688.537500547674 mg
- Fat 259.88127520672 g
- Fiber 1.01750001397317 g
- Protein 3.56637500287891 g
- Saturated Fat 164.521970130864 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (371g)
- Sodium 3108.09000481242 mg
- Sugar 20.9491500045868 g
- Trans Fat 18.2701450145367 g
- Calories 2378 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease a 9-inch square pan.
- In a medium sauce pan, combine sugar and cornstarch (or arrowroot); add a couple of tablespoons of the water and stir well before adding remaining water.
- Stir in the raisins and heat to medium heat until mixture heats up, then reduce and simmer until mixture thickens.
- Set aside.
- For the crust, melt butter.
- Place in a medium bowl and add brown sugar and oats; mix well.
- Combine flour (and flax seed if using), soda and salt; add to oat mixture and stir well.
- Add walnuts and mix well.
- Pack half of crust mixture into prepared pan.
- Spread raisin mixture evenly over the top.
- Spread remaining crumb mixture over filling.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
- Set pan on rack to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Cut into squares.
My Unexpected Raisin Bar Adventure: A Busy Mom's Baking Journey
As a working mom, time is a precious commodity. Between juggling work deadlines, school runs, and the endless to-do list, finding time for anything resembling leisure feels like a distant dream. Baking, once a cherished hobby, had sadly fallen by the wayside. But then, a simple craving for something sweet, something comforting, led me back into the kitchen, and it reignited a passion I thought I'd lost.
The recipe was straightforward: raisin bars. Nothing too fancy, just a classic treat that promised a comforting taste of home. However, even this simple recipe became an adventure. My initial attempt was…let's just say less than perfect. The crust was too crumbly, the filling too runny. I’d forgotten the subtle art of balancing ingredients, a skill honed over years of baking but lost in the chaos of daily life. Yet, instead of getting discouraged, this mishap sparked something in me. It was a reminder that even the simplest recipes can hold the potential for unexpected delight, especially when you approach them with a mindful heart.
The second attempt, however, was a masterpiece. The crust was perfectly golden brown and delightfully crisp, the raisin filling sweet and chewy, a delightful combination of textures. And that’s where the true magic happened. It wasn’t just the perfect texture and taste that brought joy; it was the process itself, the quiet moments spent measuring ingredients, mixing and blending, watching the batter transform in the oven. It was a chance to pause and breathe in the midst of life’s hectic pace. It was a way to connect with myself, to tap into a creative energy I thought I had lost.
This simple act of baking reminded me of the importance of slowing down, to savor the small moments, and the simple pleasures in life. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding experiences are the ones that involve a little bit of mess, a little bit of patience, and a whole lot of love. The warm, comforting aroma filling my kitchen was enough to melt away the stress of the day and connect me to my inner peace.
More than just a delicious treat, these raisin bars became a symbol of resilience, a testament to the power of perseverance, and a reminder that even amidst the chaos of life, there's always time for a little bit of sweetness, and a dash of self-care. Baking, I realized, isn’t just about creating something delicious. It’s about nurturing ourselves, one batch at a time, and finding joy in the most unexpected places.
The next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, I encourage you to try this recipe. Don't be afraid to experiment, to adjust it to your own taste. Let the process itself be your guide, allowing yourself to embrace the beauty of imperfection. Who knows, you might just discover a hidden passion, a new source of joy, and a perfectly delicious treat to share with loved ones. Baking is not just a way to prepare something delicious; it's also a chance to connect with our inner selves.
The recipe, simple as it is, became a metaphor for my life. It taught me patience, the importance of precision, and the beauty of imperfection. Just like life itself, the recipe demanded balance – not too much, not too little – a delicate dance between different ingredients, culminating in a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. And just as a single wrong ingredient can spoil the whole dish, so too can our lives be impacted by poor choices or a lack of balance. This simple recipe reminded me to appreciate the smaller things in life, to cherish those moments of quiet reflection and self-care, moments that are often overlooked in the whirlwind of daily life.
The aroma of freshly baked raisin bars, warm and comforting, filled my home, bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. It was a sensory experience that went beyond the mere act of eating. It was a mindful journey, a personal meditation on the simple joys of life. And it reminded me that sometimes, the most extraordinary adventures begin in the most unexpected places – in this case, my own kitchen, surrounded by flour, sugar, and the promise of something sweet and satisfying.
